XPS 8930, GPU upgrade, #7

If you look at the Dell site: https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/dell-desktop-computers/xps-desktop/spd/xps-8930-desktop/xdvmstcr003s?view=configurations

they offer the following graphics cards as options for the XPS 8930 that meet your power supply requirement 
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 4GB GDDR5 300W None

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 6GB GDDR5 450W 8-pin

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660Ti 6GB GDDR6 450W 8-pin

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 3GB GDDR5 400W 6-pin

I have listed the recommended system power and the supplementary power connectors required. If these options are available when ordering your system I don't understand why they are not options for a GPU upgrade.

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@GLF650 wrote:

XPS 8930 with an i7-8700
16GB RAM
Nvidia GeForce GTX 1050 Ti
Dell 460W PSU

1. The real issue is that I feel there would be very little if any performance gain in moving from the current GTX 1050 Ti to a GTX 1060, 

2. appear to be a 6 Pin Connector with an additional 2 Pin Connector attached via a very short dongle cable to the primary 6 Pin Connector, which I assume would make it compatible with a GPU requiring either a 6 or 8 Supplementary Power Pin Connector,

3. unable to get this confirmed when speaking to the Dell Tech

 

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1. Correct. But that really applies to all those similar cards you listed. You would have to install a GTX-1070 or better (and a more powerful Power-Supply to run it).

Just so you know ... trying to turn a XPS-8930 into a graphics-workstation or gaming-machine is a losing proposition (for most users). Maybe you should read some recent posts ? Who knows, Maybe you a skilled/experienced pc-hardware "modder" .

2. Yes, that sounds like a 8-pin PCIe-Graphics-Power-Cable. Yes, you can use an 8-pinner as a 6-pinner.

3. They say various things ( I can't comment). They don't read/post here.

@GLF650     . . . knowing that being able to expand the XPS is one of it's primary selling points

          no.

. . . not sure why you would be limiting your options by staying with a 460 watt PSU, as those are very easy to replace.

Hi and thanks for your response...I was also unsure as to why the tech rep that I spoke to seemed to be suggesting that the only GPU upgrade option available while staying fully within the warranty coverage would be the GTX 1060.

Especially when as your link from Dell's website states, that these GPU's are available as options if ordering an XPS 8930 and also fall within the 460W PSU's power rating, although the GTX 1660 6GB GDDR5 and the GTX 1660Ti 6GB GDDR6 at 450W requirement would probably be pushing a little close to the limit of the PSU's capabilities.

The tech rep was helpful, and I don't know but suspect, that his comments regarding the GTX 1060 as the only upgrade to the GPU that would stay within warranty, is a standard response to keep people from going too far 'outside the lane' when they are talking about doing upgrades. Maybe not such a bad thing in some cases.

Thanks again for you response

Hi and thanks for your feedback

1. "Correct. But that really applies to all those similar cards you listed. You would have to install a GTX-1070 or better (and a more powerful Power-Supply to run it)."

 I realize that I'm probably going to have to move to a higher rated GPU such as the GTX 1070 as you suggested, or possibly even the GTX 1080 and swap out the 460W PSU to be able to run them in order to see a real gain in performance. I guess that I'm just avoiding the inevitable by looking at some of the other GPU's that I listed if performance is the end goal. I am by no means a skilled/experienced pc-hardware modder, and really do appreciate your honest feedback, it will save me time and allow me to focus more clearly on what I should do.

2."Yes, that sounds like a 8-pin PCIe-Graphics-Power-Cable. Yes, you can use an 8-pinner as a 6-pinner."

Thanks for clarifying this, I was pretty sure that's what it was, but when the tech rep couldn't confirm this, it left me with a small degree of doubt.

3. "They say various things ( I can't comment). They don't read/post here."

Got ya....say no more.

Thanks again for your feedback, much appreciated

And for the record, you're free to upgrade your PC any way you want and not void the warranty.

Except, Dell may require you to return it to the original factory config to get warranty service, if you should ever need it  And obviously, Dell's  warranty won't cover any parts you install.

@GLF650    I'll have to seriously give this some thought

I also went with the Seasonic Focus fully modular 850 watt PSU

Fan & PSU Upgrade 

Very informative and great images walking through the process

Thanks very much

Thanks for that Ron....I was hoping that would be the case. And I totally understand that Dell would not extend the warranty coverage to any upgraded parts that were installed.

Just a question regarding returning the system to the original factory config settings in the event it ever has to be done for warranty service, does that mean resetting the BIOS to the original config? I've seen how to preform this function online, but does it require any other steps to return it to factory config?

Thanks again

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@GLF650 wrote:

does that mean resetting the BIOS to the original config?

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You mean back-flash the BIOS back to a previous version? No, you would not do that. 

@GLF650  - No, it just means returning it to the factory hardware config, eg, PSU, video card, removing added RAM.

Since Dell provides BIOS and driver updates, that's not an issue.

Thanks Ron.....appreciate that

Got it....thank you

RE: Replacement PSU

Found these two Seasonic PSU's as possible replacements but they look to be from the 'Gold' series line as opposed to the 'Platinum' series that you used. Think this refers to the connectors. The 850W is back ordered right now but the 750W is available from stock. I'm still looking around but just wanted your opinion on these and I didn't forget about the additional 6 Pin Slimline SATA 15 Pin SATA Power Cable that would also be required but I'm still trying to track one of those down.

Dim. Conversion Inches to Millimeter

3.39" x 5.91" x 5.51"  /  86.106mm x 150.114mm x 139.954mm

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_444&item_id=123983

https://www.canadacomputers.com/product_info.php?cPath=33_444&item_id=119420